Small forward is one of the most talent-filled positions in the NBA, but who makes the top 10 and who cracks the elite top five heading into the 2016-17 season?
Similarly to point guard, small forward is one of the deepest and most talented positions in the NBA. LeBron James has set the standard in league history through countless stellar years and winning his third championship with a herculean effort when down 3-1 to the 73-9 Golden State Warriors in the Finals this year (sorry, you’ve probably heard that approximately a million times already).
His career and extraordinary two-way play and athleticism speaks for itself, but there’s still plenty to discuss when ranking the top small forwards.
Other stars have risen to prominence in recent years as the faces of their respective franchises, with many of the upcoming players on this list earning their high ranking for transitioning from defensive specialist to two-way force over the course of their careers.
The “who’d you pick” debate between Kawhi Leonard and Paul George can go both ways between many NBA fans, and that’s just the start of it when debating all the talent there is to consider at small forward.
Unfortunately for the LA Clippers, it’s a position that has desperately eluded them in recent years, but let’s look past that and survey the rest of the league. After all, it’s interesting debate and we’ve got time to kill until October rolls around.
So, let’s delve straight into it at 10th place and work our way up to see who cracks the highest rankings heading into next season and whatever that may hold for them.
Next: 10th place - A stellar shooter seeking validation